The Baldivis and Districts Community Men’s Shed Inc. (BDMS) was formed in late 2017 and became incorporated in August 2018. The group currently has more than 40 members and a waitlist of people who are ready to join once a dedicated premises is available.
As part of the 2021 State Election, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, Member for Baldivis and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action, committed $50,000 to fund a Needs Assessment, Site Selection and Feasibility Study for the project. A further $1 million was pledged for construction following completion of the study and confirmation of a suitable site.
In August 2022, the study was presented to Council to help determine the next steps. It identified two potential sites: Pike Road and Baldivis Recreation Reserve. Each site has its own advantages and challenges. One key issue for the Pike Road site is land tenure, as it is managed by the Department of Education rather than the City of Rockingham. This will require further consultation before development can proceed.
In November 2024, Council resolved to:
- Accept and endorse the final Needs Assessment, Site Selection and Feasibility Study.
- Direct the CEO to write to the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA advising that, if Pike Road becomes available, State Government funding should be provided directly to BDMS to manage development.
- Not proceed with a Men’s Shed until a Master Plan for Lot 1376 Fifty Road is completed.
- Consider allocating $120,000 in the 2023/2024 Business Plan for the Master Plan.
In September 2022, Minister Whitby confirmed that Pike Road would remain with the Department of Education for future school purposes, making it unavailable at that time. Following this advice, and in line with Council’s resolution, officers progressed with the Baldivis Recreation Reserve Master Plan, including investigations into site suitability for the proposed shed.
By June 2024, discussions with the Departments of Education and Communities and ministerial offices resulted in a commitment that Pike Road could be investigated further. In July 2024, consultants were appointed to undertake site and planning investigations, develop concept designs, and assess future growth potential.
On 25 October 2024, the City received formal confirmation from the Minister for Education that the Department was working to transfer the land and create a managed reserve. Two concept designs were presented to Council in November 2024, and Council resolved to:
- Approve Lot 8002, 60 Pike Road, Baldivis as the preferred site.
- Support development of a 400 square metre pre-cast concrete shed.
- Thank the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA for his funding commitment.
- Continue liaising with the Department of Education on land transfer requirements.
- Consider allocating funds in a future Business Plan for development.
In April 2025, the land transfer was finalised by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Department of Education. The design phase ran from February to July 2025. The construction tender was advertised from 30 August to 8 October 2025 and is scheduled for Council consideration on 25 November 2025.
Read the full Council Resolutions at:
Agendas and minutes